On September 8 to 9, a senior delegation from AmCham HK participated in the annual Doorknock to Beijing.   It was a packed two-day schedule, with meetings with Chinese officials, economists, AmCham China, and a visit to the US Embassy.

Chairman David Butts led the delegation, along with President Eden Woon.  Former Chairman Geoff Siebengartner and Vice Chairman Sally Peng, as well as other Board members and heads of Chamber committees, also joined.  It was a strong AmCham lineup, and they met with the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Bank of China, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Council Development Research Center, a think tank, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

A highlight was a meeting with the new US Ambassador to China, David Perdue, and there were a couple of lively discussions on the Chinese economy with noted China economist Arthur Kroeber and Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank Chairman Jin Liqun – for whom the delegation gave a farewell dinner as he is leaving his post in December. 

Chinese officials shared their assessment of the global situation, the relationship with the United States, the economic positioning of Hong Kong, policies to move the Chinese economy more swiftly forward in the current volatile environment, and their strategy going forward.  

Ambassador Perdue offered his views on US strategy and what the US Embassy is doing in-country to help develop a stable relationship between US and China.  The State Council Development Research Center, Chairman Jin and Mr Kroeber offered additional perspectives of the Chinese economy. There was also a useful dialogue with the leaders of AmCham China.

All in all, it was a most productive 48 hours in Beijing, helping the Chamber leadership get a better sense of China’s economy and policies. Finally, at every stop, the delegation reflected views and predicament of our membership, the challenges they face, and how they view Hong Kong’s business potential.